Rams Allow Raiders to Negotiate With Bell

The Rams, who have long avoided trades involving their cross-town rivals, have granted the Raiders permission to negotiate with tailback Greg Bell.

Bell’s agent, Steve Feldman, said he spoke with Raider owner Al Davis Tuesday and that they are close to working out a deal.

Although he gained 2,349 yards and scored 33 touchdowns the last two seasons, the Rams balked when Bell, 27, asked to renegotiate his 1990 contract of $475,000.

The Rams, who dealt Eric Dickerson to Indianapolis in 1987 rather than renegotiate, countered by signing free-agent tailback Curt Warner in March.

The Rams’ asking price is reportedly a middle-round draft pick.

“All Greg Bell wants is to be paid market value,” Feldman said. “We don’t foresee the Raiders having any problem paying market value. . . . They are extremely aware of his statistics.”